Alaric McCarthy

Aisling Rayne

Social Scientist

Role at Cawthron

Aisling is an environmental geographer interested in the social dimensions of biodiversity conservation, particularly relating to freshwater fish, introduced species, hybrids, and wildlife management. Her research explores the social bases of conservation science, the role of different knowledge systems in shaping conservation practice and decision-making, and how people come to care for species, including ‘new neighbours’.

Aisling’s work is grounded in collaborative relationships and draws from the theoretical traditions of human geography and science and technology studies (STS), as well as her formal training in conservation genomics and ecology. Aisling currently works in the Fish Futures Endeavour program and leads a Marsden Fast-Start on hybrid species in conservation.

Technical skills, experience and interests

  • Conservation science and decision-making

  • Environmental values

  • Introduced species and hybrids

  • Science and technology studies

  • Community-based research

  • Qualitative social science methods, including interviewing, discourse analysis, and ethnography

Qualifications

  • PhD Biology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2022
  • BSc (Hons) Biology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2017
  • BSc Ecology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2016

Professional Affiliations

  • Principal Investigator, Te Pūnaha Matatini Centre of Research Excellence
  • Adjunct Fellow, Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora School of Biological Sciences, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury
Alaric McCarthy